Fixed stairs in a house

Is your staircase a hidden danger in your home? Ensuring the safety and stability of your stairs is crucial, especially with children around, and understanding the nuances of step height, tread depth, and secure railings can make all the difference. Discover essential tips for renovating your stairs and learn how regular checks and maintenance can prevent accidents and transform your staircase into a safe, elegant feature of your home.

Stair steps

Stair step or tread

The rise (height) of a staircase determines how easily everyone can get up and down the stairs.
The height to be bridged is always a multiple of the step.
All stair steps must be the same height, which means a maximum of 18.5 centimetres for an average home.

Stair tread

The tread (the surface you stand on) of a staircase determines how easily everyone can go up and down the stairs.
For average homes, a minimum of 23 cm applies. These minimum dimensions still don't support the entire foot.

Stair railing

According to the building code, a staircase must be fitted with a handrail or railing on at least one side.

If there are any defects in the stair railing's attachment to the wall, this should be repaired by installing new fasteners. After this, the railing can once again function properly and safely.

Stair railing or balustrade

Check all sides of the fence for proper installation and strength. Where necessary, new fasteners can be installed or parts of the fasteners replaced.
If the entire fence is unstable and rickety, this poses a risk to the user's safety. Have a stair expert or experienced carpenter repair the defects to create a safe and stable situation.
If any parts of the fence are missing: these must be replaced or installed.
If a fence is present: it must function as a fall protection system. This is especially important when children are present. We consider a fence unsafe if it has horizontal posts and could therefore function as a climbing frame for children.

Loft ladder

A loft ladder, also abbreviated as Vlizo, is a retractable or foldable ladder. Please note that a loft ladder is not a stable, permanent ladder and should always be used with care.

You can check the functioning of the loft ladder; the aim is to ensure that it functions safely and as intended.
The attachment of the loft ladder, hatch, or components must be secure. If any defects are noted, they can be repaired.
A loft ladder must require various regular maintenance to be carried out periodically.
You can also check the opening and closing (storage) of the loft ladder yourself: fold it in and out, store the ladder away and set it up again.
If the loft ladder is unstable, wobbly, or rickety, be especially vigilant during use. Always ensure there's a safety catch at the bottom to prevent the ladder from slipping.
If the loft ladder is truly unsafe and unstable, it can usually be easily replaced. Use of such a ladder must be safe and responsible.

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Homekeur is the specialist in conducting building inspections . With an extensive and growing national network of our own trained and expert inspectors, you, as the client, are guaranteed a motivated and ambitious approach and a thorough inspection by the inspector.

On our website, you can schedule an appointment for a building inspection or asbestos inventory. You'll also find more information about building inspections and the building report you'll receive after our inspection.

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